The Cause

Multiple Sclerosis - What May be the Cause?

Researchers are unable to give a specific answer as to the cause of multiple sclerosis. They do, however, concur that it is an autoimmune disease. This means that for some unknown reason the bodys wonderful immune response that acts to protect itself from foreign invasive bodies or substances goes on the attack against its own tissue.

In the case of MS the substance it attacks is the myelin sheath that serves as a protective covering for the bodys nerves. This occurs mostly in the brain and spinal cord. As the sheath is worn away and scarring results the natural flow of messages from our brain to our muscles is interrupted.

As with most diseases scientists will look at two major areas that may contribute to someone developing it. They are - certain genetic factors and environmental factors. In the case of multiple sclerosis it is not thought to be a hereditary disease. However, genetics do play a role if someone else in the near family such as a sibling or a parent have the disease it may mean that there is a certain vulnerability to it. And while no one gene can be said to be a direct indicative link to multiple sclerosis there are genes that research has been able determine may be involved in that they are already associated with autoimmune diseases such as diabetes. This information is helpful in diagnosing MS if a series of symptoms presents itself.

With regard to environmental factors the ongoing research has not been able to pinpoint any one virus that may be causative. One theory states that it is possible that an unknown virus may lie dormant in the body until something triggers it and this activates the natural immune response. Or it may be that a common virus such as herpes or measles acts as an instigator. Another factor to be considered is that some bacteria carry proteins that can mimic our own body cells. This could also trick our immune system into attacking itself. These factors together with a genetic vulnerability may be the problem that leads to developing multiple sclerosis.

Other research has pointed the finger at excessive stress and malnutrition - whether it comes from having a poor diet or an inability to absorb nutrients properly - as a precursor to getting the disease. And yet another idea presents the thought that it may be aggravated by an intolerance or allergy to certain foods such as gluten and/or dairy products.

Some experts also feel that environmental toxins may play a role in that they can cause a disturbance in the metabolic pathways and lead to damage of the nerves protective myelin sheaths. One such toxin - mercury - has been proven to bind to the DNA of cells and their membranes. This naturally disrupts and distorts normal cell function. In some cases, individuals suffering from mercury poisoning have shown strikingly similar symptoms to those of people suffering from multiple sclerosis. As well, it has been discovered that people with MS have been found, on average, to have levels of mercury seven times that of healthy people.

It also seems that the MS is found more commonly amongst people who live in northern climates. Tropical and southern climates seem to hold a lower risk. In fact, it has also been noted that the first fifteen years of ones life - if lived in a warmer climate - would lower the risk of getting the disease. Because of this, research is being conducted into the benefits of exposure to sunlight and the intake of Vitamin D.